Dynamic communication line assignment

ABSTRACT

A system that enables a calling party to communicate with a called party over a communications network comprises: (a) a web page storage device that is operable to send, over the internet, (i) web pages to a calling party device, the web pages including a data entry screen into which a user enters a required telephone number or VoIP user name with which communication is sought and (ii) a call-in number; (b) a conversion device that is operable to receive over the internet, from the calling party device, the telephone number or VoIP user name and can cause the altering of call forwarding settings at a switch, such that a call from the calling party device to a call-in number will be automatically forwarded to a device associated with the telephone number or VoIP user name; (c) a dynamic line assignment module that can dynamically assign the call-in number.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/377,869, filed Jun. 30, 2009, which claims the priority ofInternational Application No. PCT/GB2007/003160, filed on Aug. 20, 2007,which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/822,931,filed Aug. 19, 2006, the entire contents of all of which are herebyincorporated in total by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a system that enables a calling party tocommunicate with a called party over a communications network using anInternet conversion device and dynamic line assignment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Currently, most or all public and private switching networks (WN and FN)and private automatic branch exchange (PABX or PBX) can handle voiceand/or data, allowing simplex and/or duplex call routing for voicecalls, video calls and even data calls, such as open standard orproprietary VoIP (proprietary voice over internet protocol) calls. Somesmaller call routers for private and small businesses can now handlecall routing between the public switched telephone network (PSTN) andvoice over internet protocol (VoIP) and vice-versa. However, there isoften a requirement for a personal desktop or portable computer (PC)permanently connected to the internet. In some cases, there is even arequirement for an additional hardware call router devices (HWCRD)connected between the PC and PSTN (fixed land-line), typicallyinterconnecting the additional HWCRD and PC using a universal serial bus(USB) interface. In some other cases, the HWCRD is basically a wirelessdevice (WD) or mobile phone interconnecting and communicating with thePC through Wifi or Bluetooth; the WD has to be within a range ofapproximately 100 meters or less from the PC, mainly in order to run athird party or in-house proprietary VoIP application and to allowinterfacing and in some cases even to power through such HWCRD. Inother, more mass market technologies, the call routing is strictlyinterfaced by a PC permanently connected to the internet; the PC runs athird party or in-house proprietary VoIP application, allowing incomingvoice calls from and to an external hardware device connected through aUSB with the previously mentioned PC, which has to be permanently loggedonto a user account from an internet service provider and permanentlyswitched-on, (and hence connected to the mains power supply).

These various types of call router, jointly referred to as CR, requirethe originating calling party, for example a wireless device user, thatwishes to be routed through to a VoIP user or a fixed or wireless phoneuser, to originate the call manually from a wireless device or mobilephone, fixed phone or VoIP phone. The user does this by calling the CRphone number associated with its connected PSTN, or the VoIP addressassociated with its VoIP phone. Then, when in voice call mode, the userfollows pre-recorded voice instructions from the CR to enter manuallyfirst a security code and then the VoIP user address or PSTN phonenumber or wireless device phone number that it wishes to talk to. Thesame applies vice-versa, so that when a VoIP user calls the phone numberassociated with the PSTN connected to the CR, then, when in call (i.e.the voice channel is opened) the VoIP user has to select manually theoutgoing call function, then check that it has sufficient credit andfinally, following the CR instructions, the user has to enter the phonenumber to which it wishes to be routed through by the CR. Thesecomplexities limit the actual use of such systems to the moresophisticated or technology savvy users. And these systems fail toprovide sufficient security provisions against abuse of these callrouter systems by unauthorised third parties. Another major drawback isthat the user of such CR with an external HWCRD is typically connectedin most cases to their home PSTN, thus occupying this communication linkmost of the time, preventing simultaneous use for example with one userusing the PSTN and another user (perhaps in the same family) using hisWD. Further, it is the WD that calls its home PSTN to set up callrouting through the external hardware connected to its home computer;this home computer has to be permanently connected to the mains powersupply and permanently logged on to a user account to allow permanentlythe running of a required application for the call routing function.

What is needed is a method that gives authorised users (with a useraccount accessible though the internet) the ability to choose, no matterwhere they are in the world, how to call any internet service provideruser in the world. The present invention meets this need. Furthermorethe calling party user has no need to have his own personal fixed homePSTN (phone line) nor a home computer, when it wishes to make outgoingcalls or communications. The calling party can, in particular, set upcalls from any wireless device capable of accessing the internet; thesecalls can be made to a called party with a VoIP user name.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The first aspect of the invention is a system that enables a callingparty to communicate with a called party over a communications network.It is defined in claim 1.

In an implementation, the system comprises:

(a) a web page storage device that is operable to send, over theinternet, web pages to a calling party device upon request by thecalling party device, the web pages including a data entry screen intowhich a user enters a required telephone number or VoIP user name withwhich communication is sought, as well as a command or instruction linkthat the calling party device understands which includes a call-innumber;

(b) a conversion device that is operable to receive over the internet,from the calling party device, the telephone number or VoIP user nameand can cause the altering of call forwarding settings at a switch or aswitch interconnected to an internet service provider account, such thata call from the calling party device to the call-in number assigned tothe calling party will be automatically forwarded to a device associatedwith the telephone number or VoIP user name; such conversion device alsooperable to send, over the internet, any such web pages from the webpages storage device to the calling party; and

-   -   (c) a dynamic line assignment module, embedded within the        conversion device, that can dynamically assign a free call-in        number of a switch as decsribed in (b), which for a period prior        to or at the time of communication by the calling party device        with the conversion device as described in (b) was not assigned        to any other calling party device. The free call-in number may        be different each time the calling party device initiates a new        communication with the dynamic line assignment module embedded        within the conversion device.

Expanding on the Above:

The calling party device can be assigned a specific call-in number bythe dynamic line assignment module embedded within the conversion devicethat the device can dial into and that call is then automaticallyforwarded or diverted to the required contact details (typicallytelephone number or VoIP user name). More specifically, the conversiondevice converts an instruction from the calling party device to dial aspecific telephone number or VoIP user name to instructions that theswitch (or internet service provider account interconnected to theswitch) can understand and act upon in order to set up call forwardingor call divert. It also dynamically assigns and sets up a call-in numberfor the calling party device to dial, which then leads automatically toa call being forwarded or diverted to the required telephone number orVoIP user name. The call-in number can be a local rate number or a zerocost number.

Hence, the conversion device may include the dynamic line assignmentmodule and operates as an equivalent to a conventional call-set upprocedure; the actual call is a standard voice call to the specifiedcall-in number. Although this implementation is especially useful inenabling VoIP users to be reached, it can be used to reach any phonenumber, including any international phone number. Using thisimplementation to reach international phone numbers is useful becausethe calling party incurs just the cost of reaching the call-in number,which may be a local rate number.

‘Dynamic’ assignment of the call-in number means that the calling partydoes not have a fixed, permanently assigned call-in number. Instead, thecall-in number is temporarily assigned and can be different each time acalling-party makes a call. The call-in number is selected from a largegroup of possible call-in numbers: for example, a switch may have agroup of 50,000 such numbers; the dynamic line assignment module thenlocates a free, unused number from this group whenever it needs toassign a number to a calling party. Additionally the dynamic lineassignment module could, in the event the switch is capable of handlingmultiple incoming calls for the same call-in number and is capable ofseparating the billing of each different calling party, then once acalling party is in communication through the call-in number, thedynamic line assignment module may decide to re-use the same call-innumber for another different calling party wishing to communicate to yetanother telephone number or VoIP user name.

The dynamic line assignment module can access the status of all call-innumbers and determine which are free and hence available for use. Thesenumbers (e.g. in-use numbers) can be stored in a FIFO(first-in-first-out) to facilitate retrieval of free numbers.

After a fixed or programmable time period, the call forward/divertfunction can be removed from a call-in number so that it becomes freefor re-use by the next calling party or by the same calling party forits next call request.

The approach of having a dynamic assignment of call-in numbers greatlyreduces the total number of call-in numbers that the switch orconversion device needs to be able to have available for users of thesystem. Equally, for a given number of call-in numbers, far morepotential calling-parties can be served, since only a small percentagewill be using the system at a given time.

The calling party device can communicate over the internet with theconversion device that (i) receives the telephone number or VoIP username and (ii) sends instructions to the switch to alter the callforwarding settings. The conversion device can then convert theprotocols and instructions sent from the calling party device to a formthat the switch or internet service provider account interconnected tothe switch can correctly use. The web pages enable the calling partydevice to send instructions to the conversion device to initiatecommunications with the called party.

The conversion device can handle data to and from the calling partydevice and can also handle data to and from the switch or internetservice provider account interconnected to the switch. It acts as a formof middleware, converting protocols used by the calling device to a formsuitable for the switch or internet service provider accountinterconnected to the switch to act upon.

The switch itself or internet service provider account interconnected tothe switch usually hosts the user account of the calling party. Thecalling party therefore has a user account associated with the switch orinternet service provider account interconnected to the switch and thecall forwarding or call divert settings are those of that user account.The switch or internet service provider account interconnected to theswitch uses the instructions from the conversion device to alter thecalling party's user account. The switch can be part of an ISP (Internetservice Provider) infrastructure that controls the calling party's useraccount. The conversion device with or without a dynamic line assignmentmodule can also be part of an ISP infrastructure that controls thecalling party's user account. The calling party uses a specific ISPwhich can be the same ISP as the called party, but does not have to be:it can be different from the ISP of the called party.

The conversion device with or without a dynamic line assignment moduleand the can reside in a secure internet server and may include the webpages storage device. The conversion device can also identify andauthenticate a calling party and reject a communication request from acalling party that is not recognised or authorised to use the conversiondevice. The conversion device may be able to interface with anotherconversion device to set up a chain of conversion devices in order tolink the calling party to the called party. The conversion device may beable to interface with another web pages storage device to set up achain of web pages storage devices in order to link the calling party tothe called party. The conversion device may be able to interface withseveral other conversion devices and several web pages storage devicesto set up a chain of conversion devices and web pages storage devices inorder to link the calling party to the called party.

The calling party device can be a mobile telephone; it can include aninternet browser but is not directly capable to dialing a VoIP username. The calling party device is selected from the group: fixed device;desktop or portable computer; wireless device; VoIP device.

The switch includes a supplementary module specifically for VoIP callforwarding. This is necessary if the switch does not have a built-inmodule for performing this function.

The calling party can send data, voice or video to the called partyusing this invention, because in essence the conversion device strictlyhandles the signalling between the calling party and a switch, whilstthe actual communication between the calling party and the called partyis made through a standard phone call by the calling party to the switchcall-in phone number that the called party is call forwarded or calldivreted to.

Another aspect is a method of enabling a calling party to communicatewith a called party over a communications network, the methodcomprising:

(a) sending, over the internet, web pages to a calling party device, theweb pages including a data entry screen into which a user enters arequired VoIP user name or telephone number with which communication issought;

(b) receiving over the internet, from the calling party device, the VoIPuser name or telephone number;

(c) altering call forwarding or call divert settings at a switch, suchthat a call from the calling party device to a call-in number will beautomatically forwarded or call diverted to a device associated with theVoIP user name or telephone number;

(d) dynamically assigning the call-in number.

This method may also include sending, over the internet, web pages to acalling party device, the web pages including a dynamically assignedcall-in phone number which has been forwarded to the required VoIP username or telephone number with which communication is sought.

A further aspect is a wireless device when displaying a web pagereceived from a remote device, the web page including a dynamicallyassigned call-in phone number which has been forwarded or diverted tothe required VoIP user name or phone number with which communication issought, the wireless device being programmed, such that the wirelessdevice user can cause a call from the wireless device to beautomatically initiated to the phone number that forwards or routes tothe VoIP user name or phone number.

An example will expand on this and explain the user interaction process.

Step 1. The mobile phone etc. user enters, into his internet webbrowser, a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) for the service offering thepresent invention.

Step 2. A web-page is sent by the conversion device to the mobile phone.The web page includes a simple window into which the user enters theVoIP user name he wishes to contact, plus a ‘Send’ button.

Step 3. The mobile phone user enters the VoiP user name it wishes tocommunicate with (e.g. “Smith69”) and then clicks on the “Send” button.The link “Send” displayed on the web page is in a language the mobilephone web-browser understands; selecting it causes the device to sendthe entered data (VoiP user name) to the conversion device.

Step 4. The conversion device extracts the “VoiP user name” and causes aspecific ISP user account to callforward a specific dynamically assignedcall-in number associated to that specific user account to the VoiP username the mobile phone user wants to communicate with.

Once this process between the conversion device and the ISP (ISPconnected to a switch), is done, then the conversion device will replyback to the handset with a different web-page requesting confirmation bythe mobile phone user with a command link(“wtai://wp/mc;DynamicallyAssignedCallInNumber”) embeded in the link notvisible to the mobile user except for the visible link text “CallSmith69 now?”.

Step 5. When the mobile phone user clicks on the confirmation link “CallSmith69 now?” it will cause the mobile phone to execute the commandembedded in the link and dial the dynamically assigned call-in numberembedded in the command. This is because the confirmation link actuallyis a command converted by the conversion device and sent through a replyWeb-page which the mobile phone understands. In this specific case, whenclicking on the confirmation link, the mobile phone will understand thefollowing command: “wtai://wp/mc;+442081443550”, which in this examplewill cause the mobile phone to dial automatically the phone number“+442081443550” which is the dynamically assigned call-in numberforwarded or diverted just previously to the VoIP user name “Smith69”.More generically, the command is: “wtai://wp/mc;CallInNumber”.

The conversion device can also send to the calling party device aspecific page with a list of settings the calling party user may causeto change (e.g. call-forward, username and password, activate caller-ID,set online status) at the ISP user account or switch or simply send tothe ISP user account or switch (i.e. username and password, removecall-forward, conference call). The internet converter will convert suchselected setting to a language that the ISP or switch understands andcause it to permanently or for a predefined time period set or changesuch setting.

In an implementation, there is a “proprietary internet converter” (PIC).One of the core functions of the PIC is to allow a calling partyend-user device with internet access (e.g. a mobile telephone) toinitiate voice communication with a called party VoIP end-user device.To do so, an ID (Internet Device), (e.g. a Server with a built-in PIC)needs to convert the protocols used by the calling party end-user deviceso that the switch that routes calls to the called party VoIP end-userdevice can understand the instructions sent from the calling partyend-user device. The switch has a call forwarding function. The callingparty gives the calling party user name (e.g. ISP user name/contact orVoIP user name/contact) to the PIC over the internet. The PIC then setsthe call forwarding function on the switch, for that particular callingparty, so that an incoming call from the calling party is automaticallyforwarded to the ISP user or VoIP user defined by the calling party.

The PIC is accessible to users of any devices that can access theinternet and which have an associated “internet device” and/or “internetservice provider” user account. The user account should have (i) atleast one or more dynamically assigned call-in numbers and callforwarding or call divert functions from its call-in number(s) to any ofits corresponding “internet service provider users”. The call forwardingor call divert function may be performed by an “internet device” and/or“internet service provider” for each of their individual accounts.Alternatively, it may be performed or by a “proprietary voice overinternet protocol call forwarding” module or system embedded into such“internet device” and/or “internet service provider”; the module iscapable of enabling, setting and disabling each of the individualaccounts' call forwarding or call divert settings.

The PIC can host “proprietary internet converter web pages” (PICWP).These are sent to the calling party and displayed on the calling party'sdevice. They provide a simple graphical user interface into which thecalling party can enter the called party' user name. Providing PICWPs tothe calling party's device removes the need to download any applicationto that device.

This invention provides the advantage of allowing any fixed or wirelessdevice, capable of accessing the internet, to communicate with any voiceover internet protocol user of any internet service provider.

Moreover this invention provides the advantage of allowing any fixed orwireless device, authorised to make use of the PIC and/or PICWPfunctions and capable of connecting and communicating with the internet,to communicate with all associated internet service provider (ISP)specific users with whom the fixed or wireless devices users have anaccount with. It therefore enables any fixed or wireless device to beable to connect and communicate with all ISP users, meaning any userthat is logged into his account on any PC anywhere in the world. Or, ifhe is not logged in but has forwarded his incoming calls to a voice mailthen the fixed or wireless device can connect and communicate with hisvoice mail. If he has his incoming calls diverted or call forwarded to aphone number then, the connection and communication can be to that phonenumber. If he has his incoming calls diverted or call forwarded toanother different ISP user then the connection and communication can beto that different ISP user.

This ability to interconnect any fixed or wireless device and PIC,respectively controlled and interfaced by a PICWP and the associatedinternet service provider, is particularly advantageous for wirelessdevices' international outgoing data and/or voice and/or video callrouting. Currently, freedom of routing choice is restricted by thewireless networks, but this choice is now, with this invention, fully inthe hands of the end user of any fixed and wireless device user, capableof accessing the internet (even where access is at very low bit-rates),by using the services provided by a PIC and/or PICWP, which communicateswith a ISP. Wireless networks typically only allow calls to any phonenumber or any “Uniform Resource Locator” (URL) but do not allow one toactually call to any ISP user or ISP user names or VOIP user names, butwith this present invention all fixed and particularly wireless deviceusers will now be able to additionally call to any associated ISP usernames or VoIP users as described within this invention, thus being ableto access hundreds of millions of VoiP users around the world.Previously, these hundreds of millions of VoIP users were not accessibleto most wireless device users around the world, in particular to thosewireless device users who make use of a so called cheap or low tomid-range wireless phone without the need to download or embed anyapplication on their wireless device. These phones form the bulk ormajority of wireless devices or wireless phones or mobile phones usedaround the world.

The PIC and/or the PICWP could reside in an ISP or the PIC could residein a secure internet server (SIS) with duplicated server and power cutoff protection back-up; the PICWP could reside in an internet device(ID) or desktop computer (PC).

The present invention is especially useful for those users with no PSTNconnection but who do have a wireless device and wireless coverage from(i) a public or private wireless system or Wireless Network (WN) and/or(ii) public internet access points through a PC and/or (iii) public PSTNphone(s) access points.

As wireless coverage by cellular networks is available almost world-wideand mobile phone penetration is very high (in some countries evenoutstripping the penetration percentage of fixed phone users), thepresent invention addresses a real need and demand—particularly enablingmobile handset users to make outgoing calls from their mobile phones atany time and in any place with mobile coverage, calling to any place inthe world, to any voice over internet protocol user of any internetservice provider, and at the worst case at the cost of only one-localcall rate (or even free of charge in some cases depending on his WNtariff plan). There is no need to leave a home computer permanentlyswitched on or permanently running any applications, and furthermore thepresent invention requires only that the wireless device or mobile phonebe used in the same way as the user has always used it. The previousadvantages may also apply when, instead of calling any voice overinternet users (VoIP user), one calls any phone number. A furtheradvantage is that the wireless device, mobile phone, or PC does not haveto download any application whatsoever but simply downloads aconventional web (or WAP) page. Instead, at no extra charge, theend-user is able to call any VOIP user associated with its internetservice provider and simply has either to pay his WN for a local callrate or subscribe to an internet service provider that makes use of thisinvention; the internet service provider may charge a small fee for thebenefits of this invention.

A final aspect is a method of enabling a calling party to communicatewith a called party over a communications network, the methodcomprising:

(a) sending, over the internet, web pages to a calling party device, theweb pages including a data entry screen into which a user enters atleast two different contact details, meaning one of a party with whichcommunication is sought (called party), AND a conventional orinternational phone number;

(b) receiving over the internet, from the calling party device, both thecontact details, of the called party AND the conventional orinternational phone number;

(d) altering conference call settings at a switch or at an internetservice provider interconnected to a switch, such that a conference callwill be automatically initiated by the switch between the party withwhich communication is sought (called party) AND the conventional orinternational phone number.

(e) the conversion device when receiving only the called party contactdetails and the other entry data field being empty, capable of replacingthe empty data field by a default phone number, which may be the callingparty mobile-, home-, or office-phone number and then provide those twoto the switch.

This method may be performed by a system as defined previously.

In a related, final aspect, there is a wireless device when displaying aweb page received from a remote device, the web page displaying a webpage received from a remote device, the web page including an entryfield for a VoIP user name (called party) or telephone number (calledparty) it wishes to communicate with AND a different entry field for atelephone number (conventional or international phone number) with whomto conference with, the wireless device being programmed, such that thewireless device user can cause a conference call from the wirelessdevice to be automatically routed by a remote conversion device bysimply clicking on a SEND key on the entry web page.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4 show one example each of an implementation andintegration of a “proprietary internet converter” (PIC) and “proprietaryinternet converter web pages” (PICWP). The PICWP is a sub-part of orembedded into a PIC, and the PIC may be built-into an internet device(ID) or an internet service provider (ISP) device communicating througha PIC interface and/or ID internet interface and/or ISP internetinterface. The PIC may communicate with or through a public accessnetwork (PAN) and with an internet service provider (ISP and ISPn) andany other device, be it a voice over internet protocol user (VoiP User1,VoIP User n) or any portable computer- and/or, fixed- and/orwireless-device capable of accessing the internet even at low bit rates.

FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 8 are examples of implementations and combinations, inaccordance with the present invention, with respect to some of thedifferent internet service providers (ISP), wireless networks (WN) andpublic access networks (PAN) architectures, and any such devices withinsuch embodiments that are capable of accessing the internet and/orcapable of making calls. Examples include desktop or portable computers(PC) and/or fixed devices (FD) connected with or to a PAN and/or ISP,voice over internet protocol devices (VoIPD) associated with a PANand/or ISP, wireless devices (WD to WDn) associated with a WN.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show two examples of an implementation, integration andsome of the different combinations in accordance with the presentinvention with respect to the proprietary internet converter (PIC), withbuild-in proprietary internet converter web pages (PICWP) and theproprietary voice over internet protocol call forwarding (PVoIPCF)module, within the scope of a multi country or region architecture orimplementation. The PIC and/or PICWP and/or PVoIPCF may include anysingle or multiple combination thereof or an equivalent of each suchfunction or addition performing a similar function within the overallmethod of this invention, without limiting any such other ways ofimplementing the PIC and/or PICWP and/or PVoIPCF as described within theclaims of this invention.

FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 show one example of the implementation, integrationand some of the different combinations of the proprietary internetconverter (PIC) flowchart as shown in FIG. 11. The proprietary internetconverter web pages (PICWP) are expanded as shown in FIG. 11. One of thepossible implementations or flowcharts of the proprietary internetconverter web pages (PICWP) is shown in FIG. 12, and one of the possibleimplementation or flowcharts of the proprietary voice over internetprotocol call forwarding (PVoIPCF) is shown in FIG. 13.

The implementation, integration or flowcharts of the PIC and/or PICWPand/or PVoIPCF may comprise all of the shown sub-modules and/orsub-routines and/or sub-flowcharts and/or implementation examples or anysingle or multiple combination or addition thereof or an equivalent ofeach such sub-module and/or sub-routine and/or sub-flowchart and/orimplementation performing a similar function within the overall methodof this invention, without limiting any such other ways of implementingthe PIC and/or PICWP and/or PVoIPCF as described within the claims ofthis invention.

FIGS. 14-25 schematically depict the operation of a similar system andmethod in accordance with the present invention; Appendix 1 describesthese in more depth.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various implementations of the present invention will be described indetail. All include an internet device (ID); the term ‘interne device’or ID should be expansively interpreted to mean any device that has atleast one or more built-in proprietary internet converters (PIC). Thecore function of the PIC is to allow a calling party end-user devicewith internet access such as a mobile telephone, to initiate voicecommunication with a called party VoIP end-user device. The term‘internet’ includes the wired and also the mobile internet, such as butnot limited to WAP, GPRS, EDGE, IMode. The ID needs to convert theprotocols used by the calling party end-user device so that the switchthat routes calls to the called party VoIP end-user device canunderstand the instructions sent from the calling party end-user device.The switch has a call forwarding function. The calling party gives thecalling party user name (e.g. ISP user name/contact or VoIP username/contact) to the PIC over the internet. The PIC then sets callforwarding function on the switch, for that particular calling party, sothat an incoming call from the calling party is automatically forwardedto the ISP user or VoIP user defined by the calling party.

Each PIC has at least one or more built-in proprietary internetconverter web pages (PICWP). These web pages are downloaded to a callingparty end-user device and provide a simple graphical user interfacewhich allows an end-user to (i) provide the PIC with informationdefining the called party device and (ii) send instructions to the PICto initiate voice communications with the called party device. Althoughthe PIC will typically store these web pages internally, each PIC couldinstead be remotely connected to the PICWP. Each PIC has one or moreuser accessible input interfaces, such as an internet protocol (IP)address or web-site address or URL. The PIC is capable of detecting anysingle (or simultaneously, any multiple) inbound communications requestand is also capable of communicating with any single calling partydevice (or simultaneously with any multiple devices). The calling partydevices are capable of accessing the internet in the normal way; thesedevice can be a fixed device (FD), desktop or portable computer (PC),wireless device (WD), voice over internet protocol device (VoIPD) or anysuch other device capable of communicating (i) through an internetservice provider (ISP) or (ii) with an internet device (ID) or (iii)with a public access network (PAN) or (iv) with a wireless network (WN).The PIC is also capable of identifying any individual device end-userand is capable of rejecting a communications request from a deviceend-user if that user is not authorised or recognised as an authorisedend-user of the PIC functions.

Once a calling party end-user is detected as an authorised user, thenthe PIC will detect the inbound communications protocol from thatend-user's device. It will communicate with that device through one ormore input/output interfaces. The PIC will also convert the callingparty inbound communications protocol requests, commands and parameterssettings to the outbound communications protocol(s) required to allowthe PIC to interface and communicate with each corresponding callingparty user account. Such user accounts can reside in a ID, ISP, PC,VoIPD (or in any other switching device connected to the internet and inwhich a specific user account and its parameters settings reside). Sucha user account is associated with a specific internet service providerand each of its unique user name(s) (commonly referred to as a userspecific voice over internet protocol user name). The ID or ISP or PC orVoIPD etc. that stores the calling party user account must however havea call forwarding or call divert function that includes forwarding ordiversion to another VoIP user name. If it does not, then, a module orsystem providing this routing facility should be provided; this iscalled a proprietary voice over internet protocol call forwarding(PVoIPCF) function and is accessible by the PIC.

To illustrate the proprietary internet converter (PIC) functionality,say one calling party end-user originates its communication from amobile telephone (WD) or a desk top computer (PC) which accesses the PIC(through its web-browser) with a user-specific assigned internetprotocol address. The PIC first checks if such a calling party end-useris an authorised user, and if it is not, the PIC will reject thecommunication. But if it is authorised, it will allow access and sendback to the WD or PC user a PICWP web-page. The WD or PC user can enter,into the PICWP web-page, data defining the device with which it wishesto communicate. This data could be a voice over internet protocol (VoIP)user name of a specific internet service provider (ISP). This isespecially useful for a WD, since it is otherwise very difficult for aWD (particularly a low-end mobile telephone) to call a VoIP user.

The PIC will then process the WD or PC user request and connect to thedevice hosting the user account of the calling party—e.g. an ISP. ThePIC will then log-into the corresponding user account associated withsuch PIC inbound (i.e. calling party) user, or in this case WD or PCuser. The PIC will then set the ISP calling party user account to route(e.g. call forward or call divert) to the PIC inbound user specifiedVoiP user name—i.e. the VoIP user name of the called party. Hence, anycall made by the calling party to the ISP will automatically forward tothe required calling party. Then the PIC will reply to the inbound,calling party user with a different web page, informing the inbound,calling party user that the call forward request has been processed. ThePIC then allows the inbound, calling party user to initiate his call tothe called party VoiP user name from any device it wishes, be it from aPC or VoIPD over the internet, from any phone, (meaning any FD or WD) bycalling the dynamically assigned call-in phone number associated withthe specific ISP calling party user account. All calls to this phonenumber are automatically forwarded to the specified called party VoIPuser name. Once the specific inbound, calling party user initiates thecall to the dynamically assigned call-in phone number associated withthe specific ISP called party user account, the inbound, calling partyuser will be connected through to the specified called party VoIP user.

As the PIC is accessible world-wide through the PICWP using theinternet, any authorised in-bound user, i.e. any WD with internetaccess, will be capable of calling any VoIP user name world-wide, fromany country where the ISP calling party user account has at least onecall-in phone number, at the applicable call-in tariffs.

FIGS. 1 to 8, show some of the preferred embodiments of the proprietaryinternet converter (PIC), proprietary internet converter web pages(PICWP) and/or proprietary voice over internet protocol call forwarding(PVoIPCF) as described in this invention.

Specifically, FIGS. 1 to 4 are block diagrams of communications systems,showing the preferred embodiments of the present invention. There isshown voice over internet protocol users (VoIP User 1 and VoIP User n),each associated with a specific voice over internet protocol useraccount of an internet service provider. Some of these users can becalling parties, others may be the called party. An internet device (ID)is also shown. It has at least one or more built-in proprietary internetconverters (PIC). Each such PIC has at least one or more built-inproprietary internet converter web pages (PICWP). Internet serviceproviders (ISP to ISPn) are shown—the ISP has the capability of callforwarding incoming calls of all its VoIP users to any such other of itsVoIP users. Any individual VoIP user of an ISP has at least one or morededicated call-in numbers assigned or dedicated to an individual useraccount. Each individual ISP user account, authorized to make use of thePIC functions, is accessible by the PIC. Any individual user accountholder may access the PIC functions from any device capable of accessingthe internet, at any available bit-rate (even at very low bit-rates),strictly for setting its own ISP VoIP user account parameters settings,in particular the call routing/forwarding to another VoIP user.

FIG. 1 in particular shows an architecture of the PIC, and its built-inPICWP. The PIC is within or build-into an internet device (ID), which atits most simple form may be an internet server; the related ISP iscapable of call forwarding to at least all its ISP users (voice overinternet protocol users or names). FIG. 2 shows an architecture wherethe ISP is not capable of call forwarding incoming calls to its ISPusers on its own and therefore requires an additional built-in“proprietary voice over internet protocol call forwarding” (PVoIPCF)module or system.

FIG. 3 shows an architecture of the PIC, and its built-in PICWP, withinor built-into an internet service provider (ISP) device, which in itsmost simple form may be an internet server. The ISP is capable of callforwarding to at least all its ISP users (voice over internet protocolusers or names). FIG. 4 shows in particular an architecture where theISP is not capable of call forwarding incoming calls to its ISP users onits own and thus has a built-in “proprietary voice over internetprotocol call forwarding” (PVoIPCF) module or system.

FIGS. 5 to 8 are to be understood as depicting any devices and/ornetworks and/or interfaces, be it a voice over internet protocol device(VoIPD) and/or fixed device (FD) and/or desktop or portable computer(PC) and/or wireless device (WD), and/or wireless network (WN), and/orpublic access network (PAN), internet device (ID) and/or internetservice provider (ISP), and/or wireless private and/or public interface(IF_W), and/or fixed wired and/or wireless private and/or publicinterface (IF-P), including VoIPD to VoIPn, FD to FDn, PC to PCn, WD toWDn, WN to WNn, PAN to PANn, ID to IDn, ISPD to ISPDn, IF_W1 to IF_Wnand IF_P₁ to IF_Pn.

IF_W1 is a wireless interface between any WD and his corresponding WN,IF_P2 is a fixed and/or wireless interface between any such ISP and thecorresponding WN, IF_P3 is a fixed and/or wireless interface between anysuch WN and the corresponding PAN, IF_P4 is a fixed and/or wirelessinterface between any such internet device (ID) and the correspondingPAN, IF_P5 is a fixed and/or wireless interface between any such PC andthe corresponding PAN, IF_P6 is a fixed interface between any such fixeddevice (FD) and the corresponding PAN, IF_P7 is a fixed and/or wirelessinterface between any such voice over internet protocol device (VoIPD)and the corresponding PAN. The PIC is capable of communicating withinternet service providers (ISP and ISPn), the ISP with a built-inPVoIPCF and the ISPn without, as the ISPn is capable of call forwardingto all its VoIP users.

The PIC, with an embedded PICWP, is built-into an ID, as shown in FIG. 5and/or built-into a ISP, as shown in FIG. 6 and/or built-into a PC, asshown in FIG. 7 and/or built-into a VoIPD, as shown in FIG. 8.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are to be understood as depicting any devices and/ornetworks and/or interfaces as shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 8 and,additionally, an international public access network (IPAN) and publicinternational interfaces (IF_PI), linking any such previously mentioneddevices and/or networks and/or interfaces cross border or cross regionor cross country. Within the scope of these drawings is any single ormultiple combinations of the devices etc. shown in FIG. 5 and/or FIG. 6and/or FIG. 7 and/or FIG. 8 within each region or country and/or anysingle or multiple of the combinations of international public accessnetwork (IPAN to IPANn) and/or any single or multiple of thecombinations of international interfaces (IF_PI1 to IF_PIn). FIGS. 9 and10 show some of the preferred implementations of the invention at amacro level, by combining the architectures and interconnections of theembodiments of the present invention as shown previously in FIGS. 5 to8.

FIGS. 11, 12 and 13, show some of the preferred implementations of thePIC, PICWP and PVoIPCF respectively, of this invention, at flow chartlevel.

One of the preferred embodiments of the present invention and itsadvantages are best understood by referring to FIG. 5. Essentially, aproprietary internet converter (PIC) method and architecture,specifically for call routing, or call forwarding or call diversion,towards voice over internet protocol users, is shown.

It is applicable to users of any device(s) that can access the internetand which have an associated internet device and/or internet serviceprovider user account with at least one or more account specific call-innumber and call forwarding or call divert functions to all of itscorresponding internet service provider users. Such call forwarding orcall divert function may be performed by an internet device and/orinternet service provider for each of their individual accounts or by aproprietary voice over internet protocol call forwarding embedded intosuch internet device and/or internet service provider capable ofenabling, setting and disabling each of their individual accounts callforwarding or call diversion. Any voice over internet protocol device(VOIPD), fixed device (FD), desktop or portable computer (PC) orwireless device (WD), meaning any device capable of accessing theinternet in any possible way, will be able to interconnect andcommunicate with and access the user interface of the proprietaryinternet converter (PIC), meaning the internet or web pages of theproprietary internet converter web pages (PICWP) embedded into the PICor separated from the PIC.

The PICWP is capable of interconnecting and communicating with thecorresponding PIC; the PIC is capable of interconnecting andcommunicating with the corresponding “internet device” (ID) and“internet service provider” (ISP or ISPn). The ISP or ISPn is any devicewith which the corresponding previously mentioned VoIP-, FD-, PC- orWD-user has a user account, and that is capable of accessing theinternet in any possible way. The PIC is able to interconnect andcommunicate with and access the corresponding user account parameters,and specifically can set the “voice over internet protocol user” (VoIPuser) incoming call forwarding function to any of its “VoIP users”provided by such ID, ISP or ISP. Alternatively, call forwarding can beprovided through an embedded “proprietary voice over internet protocolcall forwarding” (PVoIPCF) module within a corresponding ID and/or ISPand/or ISPn.

To illustrate the benefits of the present invention, referring to FIG.5, let us make the following assumption or considerations:

-   -   the ISP has no capability for an incoming call forwarding        function to other of its “VoIP users”, and therefore it requires        an embedded PVoIPCF. The ISPn has such an incoming call        forwarding function to other of its “VoIP users”.    -   an individual user is authorised to use the functions of the PIC        as “USER 1”; USER 1 has a subscription with a wireless network        (WN), and is the user of a WD capable of accessing the internet        (WD USER 1) and also has a user account with an internet service        provider ISPn (ISPn USER 1) with a user assigned account login        and password, and with a dynamically assigned call-in phone        number (CALL IN 1), with such call-in phone number, being a PSTN        or SIP call-in line, dynamically assigned to such user account        user (ISPn USER 1).    -   another different individual user is authorised to use the        functions of the PIC as “USER 9”; USER 9 has a subscription with        a fixed network (PAN), and is the user of a FD, meaning a        landline phone (PSTN, POTS, SIP) and a PC capable of accessing        the internet (PC USER 9) and USER 9 also has a user account with        an internet service provider ISP (ISP USER 9) with a user        assigned account login and password, and with dynamically        assigned landline call-in phone number (CALL IN 9) to such user        account user (ISP USER 9).

“PC USER 9” will connect to the internet, by any means available, with aconnection protocol or interfaces such as PSTN, POTS, ISDN, SIP, E&M,V.5, V.11, V.35, ATM, X21, X25, DSL, XDSL, ADSL, ADSL2, ADSL2plus,SHDSL, VoIP-Gateway interface, 802.11, WiFi, WiMax, or any such othercurrent or future interfaces or any such other PC means of connecting toand communicating through the internet. Basically, it will connect tothe “internet protocol address” (IP address) or “Uniform ResourceLocator” (URL) of the PICWP and/or PIC, for example (i.e.) “internet webpage 1” as shown in FIG. 12. The interface protocol of the PIC, with abuilt-in PICWP, can be (but is not limited to) chtml, htmb basic, xhtml, wml, WAP 2.0 or any such other variants thereof or differentinterface protocols. Consequently PC USER 9 will enter a specific “VoIPuser” name of ISP, say i.e. “ISPn USER 999”; the VoIP user of the ISPcan be formed of any length of characters and as a combination of anycharacters, be they letters and/or numbers and/or symbols such as forexample “myname99_new”. The PC USER 9 will then hit the send icon. ThePIC will log-into “ISP USER 9” and set the incoming call forwardfunction to “ISP USER 999” and optionally set the account status to “OFFLINE” and then log-out of the user account and then reply to “PC USER 9”with i.e. “internet web page 2”, as shown in FIG. 12. The “PC USER 9”now knows that his call forwarding is set in this specific example to“ISP USER 999”. “PC USER 9” can call from anywhere in the world usingany device capable of making phone calls to the phone number “CALL IN 9”and then the “USER 9” will connect and communicate with “ISP USER 999”.

In a different example, but still applying the previous assumptions, “WDUSER 1” will connect to the internet, by any means available, forexample using as a connection protocol Doma, Fomu, TDMA, WTDMA, GPRS,UMTS, CSD, EDGE, WIFi, WiMax or any such other WD means of connecting toand communicating through the internet. Basically, it will connect tothe “internet protocol address” (IP address) or “Uniform ResourceLocator” (URL) of the PICWP and/or PIC, in example (i.e.) “internet webpage 1” as shown in FIG. 12. The interface protocol of the PIC, with abuilt-in PICWP, can be but is not limited to chtml, htmb basic, x html,wml, WAP 2.0 or any such other variants thereof or different interfaceprotocols. Consequently “WD USER 1” will enter a specific “VoIP user”name of ISPn, say i.e. “ISPn USER 999”. The VoIP user of ISPn can beformed of any length of characters and as a combination of anycharacters, be they letters and/or numbers and/or symbols such as forexample “myname99_new”. Then the WD USER 1 will hit the send icon. ThePIC will log-into “ISPn USER 1” and set the incoming call forwardfunction to “ISPn USER 999” and optionally set the account status to“OFF LINE” and then log-out of such user account. The user will thenreply to “WD USER 1” with i.e. “internet web page 2”, as shown in FIG.12. The “WD USER 1” simply has to click on the icon referred to in FIG.12 as “Click call to VoIP user” or in this specific example “Click callto ISPn USER 999”, and then the WD of “WD USER 1” will recogniseautomatically the so called “Call to” function or command from the PIC.The WD of “WD USER 1” will initiate an outgoing call to “CALL IN 1”. Insome WDs, the WD may request “WD USER 1” for an acknowledgement toinitiate the call automatically to “CALL IN 1”, and then the “WD USER 1”will connect and communicate with “ISPn USER 999”. If such “CALL IN 1”is i.e. a SIP call-in phone line and “WD USER 1” and “ISPn USER 999”have a voice/video capability, then the previously mentioned call, whichwas call forwarded or call diverted by the PIC and PICWB to “USERISPn999”, could be a voice/video call.

Summary of Key Features

An implementation of the present invention involves a communicationssystem including a proprietary internet converter (PIC), with built-inproprietary internet converter web pages (PICRWP). The PIC is capable ofcommunicating, through the internet, with internet devices (ID), serviceproviders (ISP, ISPn) fixed devices (FD), desktop or portable computers(PC), wireless devices (WD), and voice over internet protocol devices(VoIPD). This implementation enables any device capable of communicatingthrough the internet to interface with (and/or interconnect) andcommunicating with one or more PICs.

Each PIC may be resident in or built-into a device that is differentfrom the device it communicates with, so long as the device it isresident in is capable of communication through the internet. Exampledevices that the PIC may be resident in include a fixed device (FD), adesktop or portable computer (PC), a voice over internet protocol device(VoIPD) or indeed any other device capable of communicating through (orbeing connected to) an internet service provider (ISP) or an internetdevice (ID) or a public access network (PAN) or a wireless network (WN).These devices should preferably have a dedicated user specific callforwarding function. This could be an internal call forwarding function.Alternatively, (especially if no internal call forwarding function ispresent) they can be supplemented with a built-in proprietary VoIP callforwarding (PVoIPCF) module or system. One or more call-in phonenumber(s) are dynamically assigned to each specific user as and whenneeded: this is a user-specific number that the calling party can dialin order to connect with the PIC. It will usually incur a local callcharge, or may be free.

The implementation also enables interfacing and/or interconnecting andcommunicating one or more PICs, through the internet, with yet anotherPIC or with any voice over internet protocol (VoIP) user account(s)resident in a fixed device (FD), desktop or portable computer (PC),voice over internet protocol device (VoIPD) or indeed any such otherdevice capable of accessing the internet and communicating through orconnected to an internet service provider (ISP), an internet device (ID)a public access network (PAN) or a wireless network (WN). Each PIC iscapable of setting the call forward function of each specific andcorresponding VoIP user account. Each such PIC is capable of (i)communicating a confirmation of such call forwarding, specifically VoIPuser name call forwarding, to the calling party that requested such callforwarding and (ii) returning a “call to” command, linked to the callingparty specific, dynamically assigned call-in phone number (i.e. thenumber that the calling party dials in to. This call is thenrouted/forwarded to the appropriate called party).

Interfacing and/or interconnecting and communicating one or more PC, FD,WD, VoIPD (or any such other device capable of communicating through orconnected to a ISP or ISPn or a ID), with one or more PICs, is possiblethrough a public interface IF_P through a PAN. It is also possiblethrough (i) another public interface (i.e. different to the previouslymentioned IF_P) or (ii) through a wireless interface IF_W through a WNand through a public interface IF_P and (iii) through a PAN and throughyet another IF_P.

Recap on Terminology

PC to PCn are desktop and/or portable personal computer devices in anyavailable current and future analogue and/or digital technologiesrespectively, capable of connecting and communicating through theinternet.

VoIPD to VoIPDn are fixed and/or wireless voice over internet protocoldevices in any available current and future analogue and/or digitaltechnologies respectively, capable of connecting with and communicatingthrough the internet.

FD to FDn are fixed devices in any available current and future analogueand/or digital technologies respectively, capable of making andreceiving calls.

WD to WDn are wireless devices and/or mobile phones and/or wirelessbattery powered handheld devices in any available current and futureanalogue and/or digital technologies respectively, capable of connectingwith and communicating through the internet and capable of making andreceiving calls.

ID to IDn are fixed internet devices and/or server devices in anyavailable current and future analogue and/or digital technologiesrespectively, capable of connecting with and communicating through theinternet.

ISP to ISPn are service provider devices and/or computing devices and/orserver devices in any available current and future analogue and/ordigital technologies respectively, capable of connecting with andcommunicating through the internet and capable of connecting with andcommunicating to a public access network and/or a wireless network.

WN to WNn are wireless networks in any available current and futureanalogue and/or digital technologies respectively.

PAN to PANn are public access networks and/or switching networks in anyavailable current and future analogue and/or digital technologiesrespectively.

IF_W, IF_W1 to IF_Wn are wireless interfaces in any available currentand future analogue and/or digital technologies respectively.

IF_P1 to IF_Pn and IF_PC1 to IF_PCn are wired and/or wireless interfacesin any available current and future analogue and/or digital technologiesrespectively.

Other Main Implementation Features

Any individual or multiple PIC, has at least one built-in PICWP. Any PICmay be located in the same geographical location (country 1) or in adifferent geographical location (country 2 to country n) than thedevices with which it will interconnect and/or communicate with.

Any PIC is capable of interfacing, communicating and processing multiplesimultaneous in and/or outbound communications with any calling partydevice capable of accessing the interne. These devices include, but arenot limited to, any individual or multiple PC, FD, WD and VoIPD. Eachsuch individual PC, FD, WD and VoIPD is user authorized to use the PICfunctions and also has an individual user account with an ID or ISP orISPn. The authorized, individual PC, FD, WD and VoIPD users arecollectively referred to as “PIC users”. At first, when a “PIC user”connects to the PIC, it will effectively interact with the PIC throughthe PICWP. Each such individual or multiple PIC is capable ofinterfacing, communicating and processing multiple simultaneous inand/or outbound communications with (i) any individual or multiple “PICusers” and (ii) any individual or multiple ID and/or ISP and/or ISPn andany such other ID and/or ISP and/or ISPn.

Any individual or multiple ID, can have a built-in PIC; and such ID canhave at least one or more internet interfaces IF_P and each suchindividual or multiple ID is capable of processing multiple simultaneousin and/or outbound communications with individual or multiple PIC usersand individual or multiple ISP or ISPn.

Any individual or multiple ISP or ISPn is capable of call forwardingincoming calls to a dynamically assigned calling party account user;such incoming calls can be originated from a call-in phone linedynamically assigned to each such account user or from other ISP users.The ISP or ISPn has multiple internet interfaces IF_P, capable ofprocessing multiple simultaneous in and outbound communications.

Any individual or multiple ISP or ISPn is capable of call forwardingincoming calls to a specific account user, where such incoming calls areoriginated from a call-in phone line(s) dedicated to each such accountuser only. Such incoming calls are originated from an ISP user and theISP or ISPn has multiple internet interfaces IF_P, IF_Pn, capable ofprocessing multiple simultaneous in and outbound communications.

The PVoIPCF is capable of processing and setting any such callforwarding or call divert, received from any PIC, set by any such PICauthorised user; the call forward or call divert request can be of anylength of characters and combination of any characters, be they lettersand/or numbers and/or symbols and/or any combination of the previous.

Any individual or multiple proprietary internet converter (PIC) iscapable of interfacing and communicating concurrently or simultaneouslywith any individual or multiple PIC user. It is also capable ofcommunicating concurrently or simultaneously with any individual ormultiple individual user account with an ISP or ISPn. At first, when thePIC receives a call forward, also known as call divert request, say from“PIC user1”, more specifically a call forward request to a “VoIP userX”of “ISP1”, then the PIC will connect to “ISP1” and log-into the PICuser1 corresponding user account. Say this corresponding user accounthas an associated “VoIP user1” name and an associated, dynamicallyassigned call-in number, for example “00123456789”. The PIC will set theincoming call forwarding to “VoIP userX” and then reply back to the “PICuser1” with a confirmation of the call forwarding setting with a “callto” command or link through the PICWP. “PIC user1” can decide whichmethod it chooses to make use of for the call forwarding function.

After this previous confirmation receipt by the “PIC user1”, thefollowing options are possible:

-   -   in the event the “PIC user1” is a PC or VoIPD user, it can opt        to call his own “VoIP user 1” through “ISP1”. Or he can dial        with any phone in the world, including any fixed phone (FD) or        any mobile or wireless phone (WD) or any internet service        provider call out. He therefore calls the “VoIP user1”        dynamically assigned associated call-in number “00123456789” in        order to call “VoIP userX”.    -   in the event the “PIC user1” is a wireless device (WD) user, it        can opt, upon receipt of the call forwarding confirmation, to        acknowledge the “call to” command or link. The WD will then        initiate automatically, (or in some WDs, only after an        additional WD acknowledgement request required by the WD user or        “PIC user1”) a call to “VoIP user1” associated call-in number        “00123456789”” in order to call “VoIP userX”. The PIC, and the        PICWP, are capable of processing any such call forwarding or        call divert, from any PIC authorised user request, with such        call forward or call divert request being of any length of        characters and any combination of any characters, be they        letters and/or numbers and/or symbols and/or any combination of        the previous.

Any individual or multiple ISP user account, for example (i.e.) “ISPuser1”, has at least one call-in phone number for different geographiesor countries, thus allowing each corresponding “PIC user” (i.e. PICuser1) to call any “VoIP user” of each of the corresponding ISPs fromthose different geographies or countries. Doing so will cost the same asor less then the cost of the local call rate that would be charged to adevice directly calling the corresponding country call-in number.

Any individual or multiple ISP user account, for example “ISP user1”,has at least one call out phone service capable of calling any phonenumber of any region, geographies or countries. This allows eachcorresponding “PIC user” (i.e. PIC user1) to call any phone number usingcall forwarding of the corresponding ISP user1 account for that PICuser1, through the PIC and then through the corresponding ISP.

Any individual or multiple PIC, or parts of it, is capable ofcommunicating through the internet with yet another PIC, or parts of it.The latter PIC, or parts of it, is different to the former PIC. But anyPIC, or parts thereof, may be located in any ID, ISP, ISPn, VoIPD or PCbased in any location in the world.

Any individual or multiple ISP or ISPn user account, or parts of it, mayhave a built-in proprietary voice over internet protocol call forwarding(PVoIPCF).

Some functions of any individual or multiple PIC, may be built-into anyID, ISP, ISPn, VoIPD or PC, whilst the remaining functions arebuilt-into any other ID, ISP, ISPn, VoIPD or PC. The latter ID, ISP,ISPn, VoIPD or PC may be located in the same region or country as theformer, or may be in a different region or country. Any such parts ofany individual or multiple PIC is capable of connecting andcommunicating with the corresponding remaining parts of eachcorresponding PIC.

Parts of any individual or multiple PIC can be built-into an ID; such IDhas at least one or more interne interfaces IFP and each such individualor multiple ID is capable of processing multiple simultaneous in and/oroutbound communications with individual or multiple PIC users andindividual or multiple ISP or ISPn.

Many modifications and variations of this present invention are possiblein view of the above disclosures, drawings and explanations. Thus, it isto be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, theinvention can be practiced other than as specifically described above.The invention which is intended to be protected should not, however, beconstrued as limited to the particular forms disclosed, orimplementation examples outlined, as these are to be regarded asillustrative rather than restrictive. Variations could be made by thoseskilled in the art without deviating from the spirit of the invention.Accordingly, the foregoing detailed disclosures, descriptions anddrawings should be considered exemplary in nature and not limited to thescope and spirit of the invention as set forth in the claims herein.

APPENDIX 1

This appendix describes a further implementation of the presentinvention. The general principles are similar to the implementationdescribed in the main Detailed Description, but the terminology differs.In particular:

The proprietary internet converter PIC corresponds to the proprietarydynamic line assignment” (PDLA).

The proprietary internet converter web pages (PICWP) corresponds to theproprietary dynamic line assignment web pages” (PDLAWP).

FIGS. 14 and 17 show one example of an implementation of the“proprietary dynamic line assignment” (PDLA) and “proprietary dynamicline assignment web pages” (PDLAWP). The PDLAWP may be a sub part of orembedded into a PDLA as per FIG. 14, or accessible remotely as per FIG.15. So the proprietary dynamic line assignment (PDLA) can be build-intoan internet device (ID) or a switching centre (SWITCH), respectivelycommunicating through a PDLA/PDLAWP interface and/or ID interface and/orSWITCH interface (and also through the public access network (PAN)).

FIG. 14 in particular shows a method and architecture of the PDLA, andits built-in PDLAWP, within or built-into an internet device (ID). TheID in its most simple form may be an internet server; the switchingcentre (SWITCH) in its most simple form is capable of call forwarding orcall divert any of its call-in telephone lines to any other “fixed andmobile telephone number” world-wide. FIG. 15 shows a method andarchitecture where the PDLA is embedded inside or collocated with theSWITCH, whilst the PDLAWP is embedded inside an internet device (ID).The PDLAWP is the internet interface for any call request (call forwardor call divert) from any fixed and/or wireless device (WD).

FIGS. 16, 17 and 18 are implementations in accordance with the presentinvention with respect to some of the different switching centres(SWITCH), internet devices (ID), internet service providers (ISP),wireless networks (WN) and public access networks (PAN) architectures.Within the scope of these implementations are any devices capable ofaccessing the internet and/or capable of making calls, such as desktopor portable computers (PC) and/or fixed devices (FD) associated with thePAN and/or SWITCH and/or ISP, voice over internet protocol devices(VoIPD) associated with such PAN and/or ID and/or ISP, and wirelessdevices (WD) associated with such WN.

IF_W1 is a wireless interface between any WD and his corresponding WN,IF_P2 is a fixed and/or wireless interface between any such WN and thecorresponding PAN, IF_P3 is a fixed and/or wireless interface betweenany such PC and the corresponding PAN, IF_P4 is a fixed and/or wirelessinterface between any such FD and the corresponding PAN, IF_P5 is afixed and/or wireless interface between any such VoIPD and thecorresponding PAN, IF_P6 is a fixed and/or wireless interface betweenany such SWITCH and the corresponding PAN, IF_P7 is a fixed and/orwireless interface between any such ISP and the corresponding PAN, IF_P8is a fixed and/or wireless interface between any such ID and thecorresponding PAN. The PDLA is capable of connecting and communicatingwith any authorised FD, WD, PC, ID, ISP, SWITCH and the SWITCH and/orISP is capable of call forwarding or call diverting its call-intelephone numbers to any other telephone numbers and/or any other VoIPISP user name respectively.

The PDLA, with an embedded or remotely accessible PDLAWP, may bebuild-into an ID, as shown in FIG. 16 and/or build-into an ISP, as shownin FIG. 17 and/or build-into a SWITCH, as shown in FIG. 18 and/orregardless of the drawings herein the PDLA, with an embedded or remotelyaccessible PDLAWP, may be build-into a VoIPD or PC.

FIGS. 19 and 20 show two implementations in accordance with the presentinvention with respect to the “proprietary dynamic line assignment”(PDLA), with a built-in or remotely accessible “proprietary dynamic lineassignment web pages” (PDLAWP), in a multi country or regionarchitecture or implementation. The PDLA and/or PDLAWP may consist ofany single or multiple combination of the elements shown, or anequivalent of each such function or addition performing a similarfunction within the overall method of this invention, without limitingany such other ways of implementing the PDLA and/or PDLAWP and itsoverall architectures and methods as described within the claims of thisinvention.

FIGS. 21, 22 and 23 show implementations in accordance with the presentinvention with respect to the “proprietary dynamic line assignment”(PDLA) flowchart as shown in FIG. 21. The “proprietary dynamic lineassignment web pages” (PDLAWP) are expanded as shown in FIG. 22, and oneof the possible variants of an is shown in FIG. 23.

An implementation, integration or flowchart of the PDLA and/or PDLAWPmay consist of (i) all of the shown sub-modules and/or sub-routinesand/or sub-flowcharts and/or implementation examples, or (ii) any singleor multiple combinations or additions thereof or (iii) an equivalent ofeach such sub-modules and/or sub-routines and/or sub-flowcharts and/orimplementation examples or addition performing a similar function.

FIGS. 24 and 25 are some implementations in accordance with the presentinvention with respect to some of the different architectures,comprising specifically;

-   -   a PDLA and PDLAWP embedded in an internet device (ID) or        (PDLA/PDLAWP Server) and an associated local fixed operator        switching centre (Local Operator SWITCH), in particular as shown        in FIG. 24;    -   and a PDLA and PDLAWP embedded in an internet device (ID) or        (PDLA/PDLAWP Server) and an associated local fixed operator        switching centres (Local Operator SWITCH) and users associated        internet service provider server (ISP server), in particular as        shown in FIG. 25;

Any implementation, integration or architecture which includes the PDLAand/or PDLAWP may consist of (i) all of the shown diagrams and/orimplementation examples or any single or multiple combination oraddition thereof or (ii) an equivalent of each such diagrams and/orimplementation examples or addition performing a similar function withinthe overall method of this invention.

Turning to the FIGS. 14-25 in more detail, one of the preferredembodiments of the present invention and its advantages are bestunderstood by referring to FIG. 24.

Essentially, the embodiment provides a “proprietary dynamic lineassignment” method and architecture(s) specifically for call routing (orcall forwarding or call divert) to any fixed or mobile telephone numberor VoIP user name. It is applicable to users of any device(s) that canaccess the internet and which have an associated “proprietary dynamicline assignment” (PDLA) and/or “switching centre” (SWITCH) withdynamically assignable call-in telephone number(s).

In another related system, outside of the scope of this invention butdescribed in a related patent specification, the call-in numbers are notdynamically assignable, but instead there are one or more PDLA useraccount specific call-in telephone number and call forwarding or calldivert function to any fixed or mobile telephone number or VoIP username. For simplicity, both systems will be described.

The call forwarding or call divert function may be performed by a PDLAand “proprietary dynamic line assignment web pages” (PDLAWP) and aSWITCH, for each of the SWITCH individual call-in telephone numbersand/or accounts. The implementation provides a method for interfacingand/or interconnecting and communicating such “proprietary dynamic lineassignment” (PDLA) with a built-in “proprietary dynamic line assignmentweb pages” (PDLAWP) with any desktop or portable computer, voice overinternet protocol device and “wireless device” (WD), capable ofinterconnecting and communicating through or with the internet andthrough a “proprietary dynamic line assignment” with a built-in orremotely connected “proprietary dynamic line assignment web pages” withany one or more SWITCH.

As a way of illustrating the benefits of the present invention,referring to FIG. 24, let us make the following assumptions orconsiderations:

-   -   (i) SWITCH provides an incoming call forwarding or call divert        function to any fixed and mobile telephone number in the world,        and SWITCH is capable of communicating with the “proprietary        dynamic line assignment” (PDLA) at least the caller        identification number of incoming calling parties and the time        in call per SWITCH call diverted connection.    -   (ii) PDLA has the capability of interacting with a built-in or        remotely accessible PDLAWP, and PDLA is capable of communicating        with the SWITCH at least the caller identification number to        whom the SWITCH has to call divert or call forward one of each        specific SWITCH call-in telephone line number.    -   (iii) an individual user is authorised to use the functions of        the PDLA as “USER 1”; USER 1 has a subscription with a wireless        network (WN), and is the user of a WD capable of accessing the        internet (WD USER 1).

Considering the previous assumptions, (i), (ii) and (iii), for this nextexample, then at first the “WD USER 1” will connect to the internet, byany means available, (e.g. Doma, Fomu, TDMA, WTDMA, GPRS, UMTS, CSD,EDGE, WIFi, WiMax or any such other WD means of connecting to andcommunicating through the internet). It basically will connect to the“internet protocol address” (IP address), also referred to as the“Uniform Resource Locator” (URL) of the PDLAWP and/or PDLA, for example“internet web page 1” as shown in FIG. 22. The interface protocol of thePDLA, with a built-in PDLAWP, may be but is not limited to chtml, htmbbasic, x html, wml, WAP 2.0 or any such other variants thereof ordifferent interface protocols.

Consequently “WD USER 1” will enter a specific “telephone number”, sayi.e. “0012345678”, whereas such telephone number can be formed of anylength of characters and as a combination of any characters, be theyletters and/or numbers and/or symbols as can be seen in FIG. 23, andthen the WD USER 1 will hit the send icon.

Then the PDLA will communicate with the SWITCH and set the correspondingSWITCH call-in telephone number (say i.e. “CALL IN 1”) call forward orcall divert function to “0012345678” and then reply to “WD USER 1” withi.e. “internet web page 2”, as shown in FIG. 21. The “WD USER 1” simplyhas to click on the icon referred to in FIG. 21 as “Click call to phonenumber” or in this specific example “Click call to 0012345678”, and thenthe WD of “WD USER 1” will recognise automatically the so called “Callto” function or command from the PDLA/PDLAWP.

Then the WD of “WD USER 1” will initiate an outgoing call to “CALL IN1”. In some WDs, the WD may request the “WD USER 1” for anacknowledgement to initiate the call automatically to “CALL IN 1”, andthen the “WD USER 1” will connect and communicate with “0012345678”. Ifsuch “CALL IN 1” is for example a SIP call-in telephone line and “WDUSER 1” and ““0012345678”” have a voice/video capability then theprevious mentioned call, which was call forwarded (sometimes alsoreferred to as call diverted) by the PDLA/PDLAWP/SWITCH to “0012345678”,could be a voice/video call.

Another of the preferred embodiments of the present invention and itsadvantages are best understood by referring to FIG. 25. It is in essencethe same as above, but the “proprietary dynamic line assignment” methodand architecture(s) specifically for call routing, or calls forwardingor calls divert, is now towards any “voice over internet protocol username or user account” (VoIP User). It is again applicable to users ofany device(s) that can access the internet which have an associated“proprietary dynamic line assignment” (PDLA) and/or “switching center”(SWITCH) and/or “internet service provider” (ISP” with dynamicallyassignable call-in telephone number(s).

As above, an alternative scenario in which the call-in numbers are notdynamically assignable but instead there at least one “PDLA useraccount” or “ISP user account” specific call-in telephone number andcall forwarding or call divert function to any “fixed or mobiletelephone number”.

The call forwarding or call divert function may be performed by a PDLAand “proprietary dynamic line assignment web pages” (PDLAWP) and aSWITCH or ISP, for each of the SWITCH or ISP individual call-intelephone numbers and/or accounts. The implementation enables anydesktop or portable computer, voice over internet protocol device and“wireless device” (WD), (and that is capable of interconnecting andcommunicating through or with the internet and through a “proprietarydynamic line assignment” with a built-in or remotely connected“proprietary dynamic line assignment web pages”), to interface and/orinterconnect and communicating with any one or more SWITCH or ISP.

As a way of illustrating the benefits of the present invention,referring to FIG. 25, let us make the following assumptions orconsiderations:

-   -   (i) ISP can provide an incoming call forwarding or call divert        function to any of its “voice over internet protocol user name        or user account” (VoIP User) in the world, and ISP is capable of        communicating with the “proprietary dynamic line assignment”        (PDLA) at least the call-in telephone number(s) associated to        the corresponding “VoIP User account”.    -   (ii) PDLA has the capability of interacting with a built-in or        remotely accessible PDLAWP, and PDLA is capable of communicating        with the ISP at least the “VoIP User” to whom the ISP has to        call divert or call forward one of each ISP specific “VoIP User        account” associated with the specific call-in telephone line        number.    -   (iii) an individual user is authorised to use the functions of        the PDLA as “USER 2”. “USER 2” has a subscription with a        wireless network (WN), and is the user of a WD capable of        accessing the internet (WD USER 2).

Considering the previous assumptions, (i), (ii) and (iii), for this nextexample, then at first “WD USER 2” will connect to the internet, by anymeans available (e.g. Doma, Fomu, TDMA, WTDMA, GPRS, UMTS, CSD, EDGE,WIFi, WiMax or any such other WD means of connecting to andcommunicating through the internet). Basically, it will connect to the“internet protocol address” (IP address), also referred to as a “UniformResource Locator” (URL), of the PDLAWP and/or PDLA, e.g. “internet webpage 1” as shown in FIG. 9. The interface protocol of the PDLA, with abuilt-in PDLAWP, may be (but is not limited to) chtml, htmb basic, xhtml, wml, WAP 2.0 or any such other variants thereof or differentinterface protocols.

Consequently “WD USER 2” will enter a specific “VoIP user” name of ISP,say “ISP USER AB9”. VoIP user of ISP can be formed of any length ofcharacters and as a combination of any characters, be they lettersand/or numbers and/or symbols as per FIG. 23. The “WD USER 2” will hitthe send icon. Then the PDLA/PDLAWP will log-into “WD User 2 ISPaccount” and set the incoming call forward function to “ISP USER AB9”and optionally set the “WD User 2 ISP account” status to “OFF LINE” andthen log-out of the “WD User 2 ISP account” and then reply to “WD USER2” with i.e. “internet web page 2”, as shown in FIG. 22. The “WD USER 2”now simply has to click on the icon, referred to in FIG. 22 as “Clickcall to phone number”. In this specific example it would show “Clickcall to “ISP USER AB9”, and then the WD of “WD USER 2” will recogniseautomatically the so called “Call to” function or command from thePDLA/PDLAWP. The WD of “WD USER 2” will then initiate an outgoing callto “WD User 2 ISP account Call-in Telephone number”. In some WD, the WDmay request the “WD USER 2” for an acknowledgement to initiate the callautomatically to “WD User 2 ISP account Call-in Telephone number”. Then,the “WD USER 2” will connect and communicate with “ISP USER AB9”. Ifhowever such “WD User 2 ISP account Call-in Telephone number” is forexample a SIP call-in telephone line and “WD USER 2” and “ISP USER AB9”have a voice/video capability, then the previous mentioned call, whichwas call forwarded (sometimes also referred to as call diverted) by thePDLA/PDLAWP/ISP to “ISP USER AB9”, could be a voice/video call.

1. A system that enables a calling party to communicate with a calledparty over a communications network, the system comprising: (a) a webpage storage device that is operable to send, over the internet, (i) webpages to a calling party device, the web pages including a data entryscreen into which a user enters a required telephone number or VoIP username with which communication is sought and (ii) a call-in number; (b) aconversion device that is operable to receive over the internet, fromthe calling party device, the telephone number or VoIP user name and cancause the altering of call forwarding settings at a switch, such that acall from the calling party device to a call-in number will beautomatically forwarded to a device associated with the telephone numberor VoIP user name; (c) a dynamic line assignment module that candynamically assign the call-in number.
 2. The system of claim 1 in whichthe conversion device (i) converts an instruction from the calling partydevice to dial a specific telephone number or VoIP user name toinstructions that the switch can understand and act upon in order to setup call forwarding and (ii) dynamically assigns and sets up a call-innumber for the calling party device to dial.
 3. The system of claim 1 inwhich the calling party does not have a fixed, permanently assignedcall-in number, but instead, the call-in number is temporarily assignedeach time a calling-party makes a call.
 4. The system of claim 1 inwhich the call-in number is selected from a large group of possiblecall-in numbers and the dynamic line assignment module then locates afree, unused switch call-in number whenever it needs to assign a numberto a calling party.
 5. The system of claim 1 in which the dynamic lineassignment module can access the status of all call-in numbers anddetermine which are free and hence available for use.
 6. The system ofclaim 1 in which call-in numbers are stored in a FIFO(first-in-first-out) to facilitate retrieval of free numbers.
 7. Thesystem of claim 1 in which after a fixed or programmable time period,the call forward function is removed from a call-in number so that itbecomes free for re-use by the next calling party.
 8. The system ofclaim 1 in which the calling party device communicates over the internewith the conversion device that (i) receives the telephone number orVoIP user name and (ii) sends instructions to the switch to alter thecall forwarding settings.
 9. The system of claim 1 in which theconversion device can convert the protocols and instructions sent fromthe calling party device to a form that the switch can correctly use.10. The system of claim 1 in which the web pages of the web page storagedevice enable the calling party device to send instructions to theconversion device and the conversion device to the calling party toinitiate communications with the called party.
 11. The system of claim 1in which the conversion device can handle data to and from the callingparty device and can also handle data to and from the switch.
 12. Thesystem of claim 1 in which the switch hosts the user account of thecalling party, the call forwarding settings are those of that useraccount and in which the switch uses the instructions from theconversion device to alter the calling party's user account.
 13. Thesystem of claim 1 in which an ISP hosts the user account of the callingparty and the conversion device can access each user account controlledby the ISP, the switch is part of an ISP infrastructure that controlsthe calling party's user account and the conversion device is part of anISP infrastructure that controls the calling party's user account. 14.The system of claim 1 in which the conversion device resides in a secureinternet server and includes the web pages storage device and thedynamic line assignment module.
 15. The system of claim 1 in which theconversion device can identify and authenticate a calling party andreject a communications request from a calling party that is notrecognized or authorized to use the conversion device.
 16. The system ofclaim 1 in which the conversion device can interface with anotherconversion device to set up a chain of conversion devices in order tolink the calling party to the called party.
 17. The system of claim 1 inwhich the calling party device is a mobile telephone capable ofaccessing the internet and in which the mobile telephone includes abrowser but is not directly capable of dialing a VoIP user name.
 18. Thesystem of claim 1 in which the conversion device (a) extracts thetelephone number or VoiP user name sent by the calling party device andconverts the associated command into a language the switch understands(b) sets-up a call forwarding of a dynamically assigned call-in phonenumber of the switch to such specific telephone number or VoiP user nameassociated with a specific ISP user account; (c) then converts thedynamically assigned call-in phone number, which has been call forwardedto the telephone number or VoiP user name, into a command to dial thatcall-in phone number, in a form that the calling party device webbrowser understands; (d) sends that command to dial that call-in phonenumber to the calling party device in the form of a specific web pagewith that command embedded in it, so that the calling party only has toclick on a web page link to cause the calling party device toautomatically dial the call-in phone number, which is embedded in thecommand associated with the web page link.
 19. The system of claim 18 inwhich the command to dial the call-in phone number has the form:wtai://wp/mc;CallInNumber.
 20. A method of enabling a calling party tocommunicate with a called party over a communications network, themethod comprising: (a) sending, over the internet, web pages to acalling party device, the web pages including a data entry screen intowhich a user enters contact details of a party with which communicationis sought; (b) receiving over the internet, from the calling partydevice, the contact details; (c) dynamically assigning a call-in numberto the calling party. (d) altering call forwarding settings at a switch,such that a call from the calling party device to an assigned call-innumber will be automatically forwarded to a device associated with theto be called party.